Palm Beach, FL: Psychologist calls for back-to-school psych testing for kids

Aug 5, 2025, Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County parents should consider psych testing as kids go back to school | Opinion

 https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2025/08/05/adhd-autism-testing-school-students-parents-learning/85459623007/#  

Without proper diagnosis or therapy, students may develop an aversion to school or struggle silently until adulthood, when difficulties in college or work environments finally bring things to light.

As kids return to school this fall, many parents are paying close attention to how their children are adjusting. Maybe your child has already expressed frustration with reading, seems distracted in class or simply says, “I hate school.” Or maybe they are excelling at a level that far exceeds their peers. While it’s tempting to dismiss these concerns as back-to-school jitters or not urgent, they may actually be early indicators of something deeper — and that’s where psychological testing and therapy can be a game changer.

At Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS), we’ve seen a rise in parents seeking answers. Over the past several years, our team has conducted more than 100 psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults. These tests evaluate a range of concerns — from ADHD and learning disorders to giftedness, autism spectrum traits and personality dynamics — all with one goal in mind: to help people understand how their brain works and how they can best thrive.

As a licensed psychologist who has specialized in psychological testing for 11 years, I often remind families that testing is not just about identifying a problem. It’s about unlocking potential. A thorough evaluation provides a roadmap — pinpointing learning styles, strengths and social-emotional patterns that can guide tailored support both at home and in the classroom.

So, when should parents consider testing?

There are a few key red flags: If your child resists reading or writing, struggles to sustain attention, or shows a noticeable drop in academic performance, it may be time to explore testing. Other times, a teacher, counselor or pediatrician may recommend an evaluation based on classroom behavior or learning difficulties.

Testing is also important for early identification of gifted learners. In public schools, children must be tested by age 5 or when they’re entering kindergarten. Traits of giftedness can include intense curiosity, a preference for adult conversations and a deep love of learning.

For ADHD, early detection is especially important. A child must exhibit symptoms before age 12 for a formal diagnosis, and those symptoms must appear in at least two settings — such as at school and at home. ADHD can affect everything from organization and memory to long-term academic and professional success. Testing every three years is generally recommended to track development and ensure continued support (gifted testing excluded).

Physiological testing gives students the tools they need to succeed

While the benefits of psychological testing are vast, the real impact lies in what happens after the evaluation. For my patients — we provide specific, individualized recommendations to help your child succeed. Whether it’s academic accommodations, social skills groups, therapeutic support or parenting strategies, our goal is to give families practical tools for moving forward with confidence. We also provide therapy in cases where necessary – this may include children who have continuous anxiety, fears about being around peers, trouble making or keeping friends, intense fear of rejection and judgement and bullying.

Unfortunately, without proper diagnosis or therapy, students may develop an aversion to school or struggle silently until adulthood, when difficulties in college or work environments finally bring things to light. Testing early gives children the best chance to succeed before challenges become overwhelming.

The good news is that it’s never too late to learn more about how your child’s brain works. I often tell families that testing is like assembling a puzzle. Parents come in with a handful of missing pieces, and together, we create a clear picture of what’s going on — and what to do next.

So, as the school year gets underway, I encourage parents to tune in. Listen when your child says something is hard. Watch for signs of stress or avoidance. And don’t wait for a report card to raise questions. Early intervention doesn’t just help kids do better in school — it helps them feel better about themselves. Every child deserves to learn in a way that works for them. Psychological testing and therapy are two powerful ways to make that happen.

Dr. Arielle Burdo is Licensed Psychologist and the Psychological Testing Program Manager at Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service in West Palm Beach.